GARDENDALE, Alabama – Beth Barton and her family are Gardendale's newest residents now that her property has been annexed into the city.

When Barton moved to her home on North Road she thought she was moving into the city, but it turned out that her land was actually in the county. The reason behind the move was to ensure her children would attend the Gardendale School System once it opens, so she requested the city annex the property at 2586 North Road. The Gardendale City Council approved the request for the annexation in its meeting this week.

Barton was in luck since the property is contiguous to the city and North Road is included on a list of streets where property owners are allowed to submit annexation requests. In March, the city announced it was developing an annexation policy due to the projected influx of families wanting to be a part of the Gardendale School System and would not accept annexation requests until the policy is adopted, with the exception of requests from property owners on more than 90 streets in the city. City leaders have said those streets are basically already in the city limits, and it will not cost the city to annex them.

Council President Stan Hogeland said the city is waiting for the outcome of the separation agreement between the Gardendale School System and the Jefferson County School System before adopting the annexation policy. The separation agreement is expected to include attendance policies and guidelines regarding students who are currently zoned for Gardendale schools but who do not live in Gardendale.

In other business, the council:

Hired Johnathan Oldham as a firefighter to fill a vacant position;

Authorized the mayor to enter into a contract for computer hardware and software;